Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program, Introduces Community Notes for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads

Sunday, April 06, 2025
Joel Kaplan X Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program
PHOTO:  On April 5, 2025, Joel Kaplan - Meta's policy chief - posted on X that by Monday - April , 2025, Meta's fact-checking program in the US will be officially over. (Source: X)

  • Fact-Checking Farewell: Meta ends program, user-driven notes take over.
  • Community Notes Arrival: Crowdsourced system, global concerns rise.
  • Policy Changes Shift: Rightward turn, global implications.

A significant shift is underway at Meta, and it's one that's raising eyebrows across the digital landscape. The company is phasing out its established fact-checking program, opting instead for a user-driven system known as Community Notes. This move marks a notable change in how information is managed on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Earlier this year, Mark Zuckerberg hinted at this change, expressing concerns that the existing fact-checking program had led to excessive "censorship" on Meta's applications. Now, the company is putting those words into action, setting a definitive end date for its fact-checking partnerships, at least within the United States.

The End of Fact Checks: Community Notes Takes Center Stage


"By Monday afternoon, our fact-checking program in the US will be officially over," announced Joel Kaplan, Meta's policy chief, via a post on X. "That means no new fact checks and no fact checkers." This decision signals a clear departure from the traditional model of relying on third-party organizations to verify information.

In its place, Meta is accelerating the rollout of Community Notes. This system, which allows users to contribute contextual information to posts, began its initial testing phase earlier this month. The underlying algorithm draws inspiration from X's Community Notes, aiming to provide a crowdsourced approach to fact-checking. Kaplan has indicated that the first Community Notes will gradually appear across Meta's platforms, with no immediate penalties for contributors.

Global Concerns: A Shift Beyond US Borders


While Meta has expressed its intent to eventually phase out fact-checking entirely, its communication regarding Community Notes outside the United States has been limited. This lack of clarity has sparked concerns among officials in various countries, including Brazil and the European Union, who fear the potential for increased disinformation.

The decision to end fact-checking in the US coincides with other policy changes at Meta, which have been interpreted by many as a rightward shift. These changes include the discontinuation of corporate DEI programs, the rollback of certain hate speech protections, and the addition of a close Trump ally to the company's board.

Implications and Future Outlook


The transition to a user-driven fact-checking model raises several questions. How will the accuracy and reliability of Community Notes be ensured? What measures will be in place to prevent manipulation or abuse of the system? And how will Meta address the concerns of international stakeholders regarding the potential for disinformation?

As Meta moves forward with this new approach, the global community will be closely watching to see how it impacts the flow of information on its platforms. The company's decisions will have far-reaching implications, shaping the digital landscape for years to come.

Meta's shift away from traditional fact-checking towards a user-driven model represents a significant evolution in its approach to information management. The success of this transition will depend on Meta's ability to address concerns regarding accuracy, reliability, and global impact.
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